LANAP Washington DC & Alexandria VA
LANAP
Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Gum disease is an inflammatory condition that affects the gums and supporting bone around the teeth. If gum disease is not properly treated, it can lead to swollen or bleeding gums, gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss.
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth begins to pull back or wear away. This exposes more of the tooth or tooth root. Common signs of gum recession include longer-looking teeth, visible roots, increased tooth sensitivity, bleeding, inflammation, and bad breath.
To prevent or reverse gum disease, your periodontist may recommend LANAP. As the only FDA-approved laser treatment for managing periodontal disease, along with a growing body of research that supports the efficacy of its administration, LANAP has become one of the most effective treatment options for addressing gum disease.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our specialty-trained periodontists Drs. Zalewsky, Daru, Gupta, and Lakkis have years of experience treating a wide range of stages of gum disease and placing dental implants. To learn more about LANAP, our clinic facilities, or to schedule an appointment for a procedure, contact our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 823-2422 or our Washington, D.C. office at (202) 296-3360.
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Dr. Daru
In 2005, Dr. Daru embarked on her educational odyssey, crossing continents to pursue her passion for dentistry. She obtained her Master of Science in Oral Biology and a certificate in Periodontics from the prestigious New York University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore, in 2010. During her academic years, she delved into intensive research, particularly focusing on innovative bone regeneration techniques, showcasing her dedication to advancing the field.
Dr. Gupta
Driven by a dedication to excellence, Dr. Gupta embarked on a transformative periodontal residency at the University of Detroit Mercy. Here, she earned her Master of Science and a certificate in Periodontics while simultaneously serving as an adjunct faculty for the School of Dentistry for three years. Her commitment to advancing dental knowledge took her to an international stage, where she presented groundbreaking research on clinical treatment for gum recession and root coverage at a prestigious conference in London.
Dr. Lakkis
Dr. Dima Lakkis earned her DDS with honors in 2006 and completed her Periodontics training and Master of Science at Case Western Reserve. She is Board Certified and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Dr. Lakkis provides a full range of periodontal and implant treatments, with advanced training in cosmetic procedures. She is an active member of several dental organizations and has published in the Journal of Periodontology on the link between periodontal and systemic health.
Dr. Zalewsky
Following his military service, Dr. Zalewsky pursued advanced training at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. There, he earned a Certificate in Periodontics and Oral Implantology, along with a Master of Science in Oral Biology. This comprehensive training equipped him to handle intricate periodontal conditions and complex oral implant procedures with precision and skill.
LANAP® vs. Conventional Gum Surgery
If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, there are essentially two treatment options: traditional gum surgery or LANAP. Although both approaches can be effective treatment options, there are some important differences between the two approaches that are important to be aware of, the most important being that the traditional approach restores periodontal pocket depth by removing diseased tissue, whereas LANAP restores periodontal pocket depth by promoting regeneration.
Unlike LANAP, which is a scalpel- and suture-free procedure, traditional gum surgery will involve a flap being made in your gums using a scalpel in order to provide access to your jawbone and the roots of your teeth. Once this flap is made, your periodontist will then remove the bacteria and tartar and examine the bone for any defects, after which the gums are sutured in place and allowed to heal.
In LANAP laser gum therapy, there are no sutures or scalpels used. The LANAP procedure will begin with an initial evaluation of your gums and pocket depths. In some cases, a local anesthetic will be applied to the area(s) being treated. Next, the teeth will be thoroughly cleaned, and the laser light will remove the gum tissue that has become diseased. Next, any tartar that has accumulated along the roots of the tooth will be removed using ultrasonic scalers. Finally, the laser will be used to heat up the blood in the pocket, which creates a seal that will disinfect and protect the corrected pocket from plaque and germs. As an added benefit, the laser will naturally stimulate the stem cells, which in turn will facilitate the formation of more bone, connective tissue, and collagen. After this is complete, your periodontist will evaluate the surgical results and make any last adjustments if necessary.
Benefits Of LANAP
The benefits of LANAP include the following:
- Comfort: LANAP is significantly less invasive than traditional methods for treating periodontal disease, which reduces the need for post-operative pain medication and results in less pain in general.
- Faster Healing Time: Due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, the body will heal much faster, and patients can return to their daily routines almost immediately.
- Significant Reduction in Bleeding and Inflammation: In just one visit, LANAP can remove 90% of a patient’s inflammation, and the procedure controls bleeding by forming clots.
- Targeted Treatment: LANAP removes damaged tissue without causing any recession of the gum line, which means patients can preserve their smile’s natural appearance.
- Bone Regeneration: LANAP is an effective method for encouraging the regeneration of bone tissue.
- Saves Teeth: In some cases, LANAP will ensure that patients can keep their natural teeth when an extraction would have been needed otherwise.
- Safe: There are zero contraindications associated with LANAP.
LANAP Cost
The cost of LANAP will depend on a variety of factors, including your dental insurance plan, whether or not additional procedures are required, and the severity of your case.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring that money is not a deterrent to our patients receiving the optimal dental health care they deserve. For this reason, we offer a range of payment options regardless of what type of treatment you are having, which our staff will be happy to explain and assist with. Our office insurance coordinators work with other insurance companies to assist patients with their claims.
For your convenience, Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry accepts cash, check, debit, and credit cards (Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and Discover). Our clinic also accepts GreenSky Patient Solutions, a financing option for procedures and treatments not typically covered by insurance or when insurance does not cover the entire cost. We are happy to provide an application in our office. You can find out more information about this service at https://www.greensky.com/patient-faq/.
Providing you with Optimal Care
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we proudly offer outstanding oral healthcare for patients in the Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, VA, areas. In our calm, peaceful environment, we use state-of-the-art equipment to perform advanced procedures designed to achieve optimal results. Because collaboration is a key component of success, we work closely with your primary dentist to deliver the customized treatment and care you deserve.
To schedule your appointment for LANAP, contact us today. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a bright and healthy smile!